DVD is different filesize when I run it through TMPGEnc

[Salva Veritate]

I was unable to import a PAL DVD using TMPGEnc's Source Wizard, so I just copied the VOB files to my desktop. The original files combine to make 4.35 GB or so (full DVD), but when I copied them to TMPGEnc, they were only like 2.9 GB. Am I losing quality or just filesize? I have to have an explanation, because this format didn't play for a guy I traded it to, so I have to re-send a copy, and he's going to notice a 1.5 GB filesize reduction on the disc.

[Baldrick]

What does tmpgenc dvd author say when you try import the video_ts folder?
How big is the main movie vobs? usually the first 1 GB .vob file and the rest(VTS_01_0.VOB, VTS_01_1.VOB..) ?

[tinker]

It is not clear what TMPGEnc are you using? Is it TMPGEnc Xpress or DVD Author.
If you use Xpress you will have to re author DVD as that one will encode only parts of DVD separately, like Movie, chapters, logo and so on, that could be why your file is so small.
Tmpg likes all files on hard drive otherwise it is too slow to do anything, it asks when importing.

[Salva Veritate]

Alright I fixed the importing issue, so it now imports just fine but it's still 1.5 GB down. I'm using DVD Author btw.

[tinker]

I am not familiar with Author, but Xpress let you choose bit rate on export. May be you have them set too low, should be about 8000.

[Starman*]

I would first check that what you have imported is the whole dvd. I've come across (poorly authored?) dvds where checking every track on the import list does not include all tracks. I've had to extract those missing parts from the vobs via various means and import using "Add File".

More likely, as others have commented, DvdAuthor has the capability of changing the bitrates. Check the "Clip Properties" tab to see the imported file (or use GSpot separately) and the "Settings" button of the track list for the new dvd settings. I think that by default, the bitrates in the "Settings" should be the same as the "Clip Properties" but it could be your problem. The "rate control mode" cbr, vbr etc will give varying dvd sizes.

It may be that even if the video and audio settings are exactly the same as the original, the video is still re-encoded. I don't know enough about the software to confirm that.